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the Role of Large Commercial Complexes in the Sustainability of Mashhad City with a Structural–Functional Approach

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. student in Geography and Urban Planning, Payam Noor University,Tehran, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Geography, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

10.30473/psp.2026.74472.2771

Abstract

Introduction                               
Mega-commercial complexes, as one of the most significant urban elements, play a crucial role in promoting sustainability in metropolitan areas. However, their effective utilization requires a clear understanding of structural–functional dynamics within the context of rapid urban development in iranian metropolises. Mashhad, as a case in point, has experienced accelerated growth in recent decades, resulting in fragmentation of urban land-use systems and subsequent urban unsustainability across local and regional spaces.
Methodology
This study aims to evaluate the role and performance of these commercial complexes in urban sustainability through a structural–functional approach. Methodologically, the research is descriptive–analytical and applied in purpose. After organizing data into urban sustainability components, gis, spss, and the multi-criteria decision-making marcos model were employed for data analysis.
Results
Findings reveal that the structural–functional sustainability of mashhad’s commercial complexes was assessed across six dimensions: physical–spatial, economic, social, cultural–recreational, managerial–political, and environmental. Results indicate that the structural dimension (mean = 2.97) outperforms the functional dimension (mean = 2.60); nevertheless, substantial improvements are required in functional aspects, particularly in energy management, services, and optimal space utilization. Furthermore, the environmental and cultural–recreational dimensions demand strengthening to enhance quality of life and customer attraction. Ranking results using the marcos model identified armitaj complex (fk = 0.825) as the most sustainable.
Discussion and Conclusion
These findings highlight that achieving comprehensive sustainability requires simultaneous attention to both structural and functional dimensions.

Keywords

References
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Physical Social Planning
Volume 13, Issue 1 - Serial Number 41
June 2026
Pages 97-112
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